VIDEO: Spike in East dog poisonings
16 dogs were killed by poison in the east between March and April this year.
A string of dog poisonings in the East has left a rescue group concerned for the safety of animals.
According to Pretoria Animal Buddies, six dogs were poisoned in Moreleta Park, Groetfontein, Garsfontein and Waterkloof Glen last week.
Buddies spokesperson Maggie Steenkamp said two of the poisonings were followed by house break-ins.
“People think of dogs as security or an early warning system so they left it outside to protect,” she said. “Sadly no dog left outside is safe.
Dogs are not a form of security.”
According to Steenkamp, 16 dogs were killed by poisoning in March and April.
Steenkamp said most poisonings were by criminals but there had been instances when neighbours poisoned animals they perceived as a ‘nuisance’.
“In the past many people would be unconcerned by barking dogs but now that some people work from home, a neighbour’s dog incessantly barking may be a nuisance.”
She said cats were hardest hit by “nuisance-factor” poisonings because they roamed onto other people properties.
She said this reflected in one of the most common jokes about animals on social media – “how do we get rid of our neighbour’s cat?”
ALSO READ: String of dog poisoning cases in Pretoria
Waterkloof Glen resident whose two Jack Russells were poisoned said she spent almost R 8 000 treating her dogs.
Melissa Edwards said she suspected her dogs were poisoned intentionally because she found bones in their yard.
“I never feed my dogs bones and they are not allowed to leave the yard,” she said
Edwards said one of the dogs died and the other was still on treatment.
Steenkamp advised that people seek expert assistance if their pets start presenting poisoning symptoms.
“No home remedy will save your dog’s life,” she said.
“Rather take it directly to the vet.”
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